 The Project Implementation Unit within the Ministry of Health recently held a signing ceremony to officiate the awarding of a consultancy contract for the design and supervision of retrofitting works for the smarting of 14 health facilities funded by the OECS Regional Health Project. The retrofitting works of 14 smart health facilities will ensure they are safe and structurally sound during a disaster to continue delivering healthcare services to patients. The consultancy contract was awarded to Ryder Levitt Bucknell, a minor consult limited and calls associated limited for the preparation of design, bidding documents, supervision and bill of quantities for the health facilities. However, local contractors will be given the opportunity to undertake the retrofitting works for these facilities. Project coordinator of the Project Implementation Unit, Jeanette Gelouie-Ues says it is a significant milestone to award this consultancy contract which will ensure that health facilities are greener. This consultancy is under the OECS Regional Health Project which would enable us to see the commencement of the design of those facilities to incorporate smarting concepts so that our facilities will be able to withstand any extreme weather conditions and to minimize any possibility of disruption of the service in the event of a disaster. The consultancy will be undertaken through a consortium of local experts as well as a Canadian company which was selected in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Procedures. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Jenny Daniels says this signing of the consultancy for smarting of the facilities symbolizes the thrust towards the strengthening of health systems as the Ministry prepares for the introduction of universal health coverage. So we recognize the World Bank's great effort to assist us and we thank the PIU for their continued support in our thrust to improve the working conditions and the conditions under which we provide health care services to our clients in 2023 and beyond. Additionally of course with every consultancy with every contract we anticipate that there will be capacities built both within the ministry and locally, nationally on a level of expertise that is being utilized in this manner. We look forward of course to completion in a timely fashion within the 22 months stipulated. The consultancy contract for the design and supervision of the smarting of the health facilities is valued at over EC 1.1 million dollars. Reporting from the Project Implementation Unit within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, I am Fynnell Neptune.